Learn

In a move somewhat out of keeping with the awarding of the Pritzker to world-famous ‘starchitects’ such as Philip johnson, I.M. Pei, and Frank O. Gehry, the choice of Mendes da Rocha for this yearly honor highlights work that is largely regional with deep social and contextual ramifications.

From the media kit:

“Mendes da Rocha has shown a deep understanding of space and scale
through the great variety of buildings he has designed, from private residences, housing complexes, a church, museums and sports stadia to urban plans for public space. While few of his buildings were realized outside of Brazil, the lessons to be learned from his work, both as a practicing architect and a teacher, are universal.”

Indian architect Balakrishna Doshi remarks:

“It is not impossible to create generous architecture even in situations with minimum resources and numerous constraints. What one needs is a largeness of vision and a desire to create something that people can touch, feel, and in which they can participate.”

The State Museum of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1997

Chapel of St. Peter, Campos de Jordao, Brazil, 1987

(Images above are through the courtesy of Paulo Mendes da Rocha, see Pritzker Architecture Prize)

Learn more about other great (lesser known) Pritzker laureates (and impress your friends)

Glenn Murcutt
Sverre Fehn
Luis Barragan
Alvaro Siza